Ever wondered how a canal filled with stinky water turned into a serene oasis? Today, we’re at the Pettah Floating Market in Colombo. It is a place that floats above the hustle and bustle of the city’s busiest trade zone.
This market wasn’t always the calm, photogenic spot it is now. About twenty years ago, this area was one of the worst in Pettah. Abandoned factories lined a stinking canal. Shady characters lurked in corners. Illegal activities thrived. Street sellers crowded the sidewalks. They forced pedestrians onto the road.
But Colombo decided to change things. The Urban Development Authority stepped in with a beautification project. It cost 150 million Rupees. The Sri Lanka Army and Navy assisted. They cleaned the surroundings of Bastian Mawatha. The canal was dredged. Broken warehouses were demolished.
A young architect, Thushari Kariyawasam, designed the market. He envisioned open-sided pagodas made of smooth grey cement. Polished wooden walkways surrounded them. The pagodas were built over the water on platforms. Simple cement cubes served as seats. Red umbrellas matched the orange roofs. It was a surreal transformation.
The Pettah Floating Market officially opened on August 25, 2014. The Health Minister, Maithripala Sirisena, declared it open. He later became the President of Sri Lanka. The market aimed to relocate unlicensed street vendors. It gave priority to traders impacted by the redevelopment.
The Pettah Floating Market has two entrances. The main one features a large carved wooden arch. You walk down a wooden boardwalk over the water to reach the market. A section branches off to a pagoda housing the main restaurant. You will find other small eateries further inside.
Initially, the market was crowded. Many vendors struggled with the rent. Some left. But the quieter atmosphere attracts calmer visitors now. You can find clothing, shoes, food, accessories, and electronics. There are even fruit stalls for those craving a snack.
The water might be green with algae. It might smell bad in the summer heat. But other elements add character. There’s a quaint arched wooden bridge. There is a little lotus pond behind the stalls. Waterbirds visit the lake. Decorative statues dot the landscape.
The Pettah Floating Market may not actually float, but it floats above the chaos. It is a testament to Colombo’s transformation. It provides a calm space amid the busy streets. So grab your camera and capture the unique architecture. Take home memories of this unique market.